Playdates - Part 2

I suppose I was overreacting.  Although, this is the first in my life I was ever overreacting in the parental sense.  After those first two playdates, I feared Minnow would forever fit into social outcast territory and I had only myself and Abel to blame.  That said, it was a huge relief when she actually functioned as a somewhat normal child with three separate individuals.  I'm not quite so sure I'm completely convinced because now, when one kids leaves, I'm all, who's next?  Who should we call?  Honestly, I think it has a lot to do with me not really being a kid person.  I can't play with Minnow in the same way a kid her age can.  I mean, I guess I could, but I am so ADD when it comes to child interaction.  So if a playdate is lined up, I feel less guilty about pursuing my own interests.  Selfish, I know.  This is why I am conflicted about having children of my own.  

I'm feeling really really good about stepparenting right now.  Minnow is doing little things that show she might actually have some appreciation for having me in her life.  Sometimes she'll come up and give me a hug.  Yesterday she wanted us to refer to her as "little Estella" and me as "big Estella."   She'll pick out clothes in the morning that match mine.  I consider these to be sweet little gestures that make me feel like maybe I'm doing something right.